Following the recent controversy surrounding NYSC member Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, another corps member has voiced his frustrations about the government—but in a more cautious manner.
In a video shared by Instablog9ja on X (formerly Twitter), the corps member, dressed in his NYSC uniform and cap, stands in a natural setting, his face tense with apprehension. Unlike Raye, who openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this young man whispers his complaints, making them nearly inaudible.
The video is captioned “Message to President,” but his reluctance to speak clearly highlights a growing fear of backlash among young Nigerians.
His cautious approach comes after the backlash faced by Raye, who labeled the government as “terrible” due to economic challenges, including rising prices of goods and services.
Raye’s statement led to strong criticism from Temitope Ajayi, President Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, who controversially suggested she deserved capital punishment under NYSC regulations—a remark he later clarified as a metaphor for strict disciplinary action.
Her case sparked widespread debate on freedom of speech in Nigeria, with Amnesty International and lawyer Festus Ogun condemning threats against her.
The video has stirred mixed reactions online. While some find humor in his whispered protest, others see it as a sign of growing fear and shrinking democratic space in the country.
Here are some reactions from Nigerians on X:
- @KdrayTrades: “Omo, I thought my phone speaker was broken
” - @Rarelyyseen: “I’ll just add a voiceover saying something risky and let DSS find him.”
- @sonofwisdomm: “This fear will keep Nigerians in bondage. As an American, I feel so bad for you all. You think you have democracy, but you don’t.”
- @BoxedbyEfe: “Sigh… As long as some youths see this suffering as content or a joke, Nigeria won’t change.”
